Getting the KAABOO party started

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Northern California resident and first time festival goer Megan O’Malley did not hesitate one moment to book recently her flight to Southern California for KAABOO Del Mar, a San Diego music festival happening this weekend at the fairgrounds.

“I am beyond excited to go to KAABOO this year,” O’Malley said. “I’m missing two days of school and flying down to San Diego from Northern California just for this.”

The annual festival provides a bustling weekend full of activity, consisting of music, art, comedy, and food. The most popular area in KAABOO is the music section, which wows the crowd with some of the biggest current names in the music industry, such as Post Malone, Imagine Dragons, and Halsey.

Whether it is food vendors, local artwork, or music and entertainment, KAABOO offers treats for everyone. Some of Cathedral Catholic High School’s own students attend the huge attraction every year.

“This year will be my third year,” CCHS student Charlotte Killeen ‘21 said. “Last year was my absolute favorite because the lineup was incredible, and I got to go all 3 days.”

However, KAABOO can be overwhelming, which inevitably causes problems.

“I went the summer before sixth grade, and I wished I would’ve waited a couple more years,” CCHS student Maddie Hazeltine ‘21 said. “Although I had a great time with all my friends, it was hot and crowded, and I was so young I was constantly getting trampled.

“I would say to wait until you’re mature enough to handle large situations like that.”

People travel from all around the U.S. to attend San Diego’s festival. What most attendees do not know is many festival goers spend weeks planning outfits, buying tickets, or figuring out hotel reservations.

KAABOO’s venue offers VIP and a general admissions section for all the ticket buyers. VIP tickets offer a private performance, early entry, first looks at artwork and food vendors, access to the KAABOO artist lounge, and an opportunity to meet some of the talent.

“I don’t think a VIP ticket is worth it,” Killeen said. “The only difference is that it’s less crowded. But they have the same vendors, the same entertainment, the same everything. My sister and I both prefer the non VIP section.”

Although the festival has its cons, locals and people from out of town enjoy the time spent at KAABOO.

“I would definitely go again,” Hazeltine said. “KAABOO was the best experience of my life, and I’d be bouncing on the walls if I had another chance to go.